Leah James-Chism

Certifications: CF-L1, PN1

For as long as I can remember I have always been drawn to some type of athletic activity. From playing softball starting in grade school all the way to high school, evenings playing tennis with my aunt, and family weekends at the golf course. I was always up for some type of competitive activity. Still to this day I have a competitive mindset that drives me as an athlete and as a coach.

After the birth of my first daughter, I found myself overweight (a 60-pound weight gain during pregnancy) and truly unhappy with myself. After two years of this struggle, I decided to join the 24/7 fitness facility and try to get back on track. I used an app on my phone to track my food and exercise, cutting calories and going to the gym at least 5 days a week. Then I transitioned to running…ran my first (and probably only) half marathon four and a half years after having my daughter. In 2014, I found CrossFit and the rest is history. It was immediately apparent this is what I’d been looking for….a place I could grow as an athlete, continue to push myself, and be surrounded with people not only working for the same goals, but who would support me along the way.

My second pregnancy looked a lot different than my first. I continued to workout 4-5 days a week all the way up to my scheduled c-section. By maintaining a healthier relationship with food, I only gained around 20 pounds and my daughter weighed almost 10 pounds at birth! My recovery was 1000% easier and I was literally back in the gym 3 weeks after delivery (only doing bike, body weight exercises, and very light dumbbells). 

CrossFit changed my life. I have had a lifelong struggle with self-doubt and self-confidence, but in the gym these are conquered daily. I have proven to myself that I can lead a healthy and active life, have a positive relationship with food, and have complete confidence in myself and my abilities, no matter the obstacles. My experiences are what make me the coach I am today.  Someone who can relate to the struggles and help give you the tools to start living your healthiest life!